February 2014

​Llama fecal

A 7-yr-old intact female llama presents for being unable to rise for 4 hours. She has a 2-week history of diarrhea and inappetance. She has a body condition score of 2/5, pale mucous membranes, and bloodwork reveals regenerative anemia, hypoalbuninemia, hypoproteinemia, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia. A fecal recovers the organism shown below. What is the llama infected with?

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Answer:

The llama is infected with Eimeria macusaniensis. The oocysts of this coccidial species are characteristically large, dark, and have a horseshoe shape. Clinical signs associated with E. macusaniensis infection are most often seen in juvenile camelids; however, older camelids without a history of appropriate parasite control may present with severe clinical abnormalites including anemia, diarrhea, and lethargy progressing to inability to rise. Animals with this presentation have a guarded prognosis without appropriate supportive care.

Case and photo provided by Oklahoma State University veterinary student Cassandra Cullin.